The Many Merry Ways to Experience the Holidays at Walt Disney World

The holiday season is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year with good reason. The festive decorations, boisterous parties, glittery tunes, delicious food and treats, warm family gatherings, and favorite traditions all add up to a very merry ending to the year. Now take this special period in time, add it to a place that is often referred to as The Most Magical Place on Earth, and there really is nothing else like it. The resorts, theme parks and surrounding areas are transformed with this sprinkling of holiday pixie dust. The always pleasant cast members are somehow even happier. The many resorts are decked in beautiful and uniquely styled festive decor. Holiday themed treats and food pop up in all the parks. Santa Clause makes appearances in parades, meet and greets, and events in The World Showcase. It actually snows on Main Street…in Florida. This is a can’t miss experience for families that love this time of year, love Disney, or better yet - love both. We’re breaking down some of our favorite things to experience when visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays.

Main Street, USA decorated for the holidays

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 

Starting with a WDW holiday staple, this party is an after hours ticketed experience at the Magic Kingdom happening on select nights in November and December. The perks include less crowds and lower wait times for rides, plus parades, stage shows, fireworks, and holiday dance parties for the younger crowd (or older if you’re feeling especially festive). Complimentary cookie and cocoa stations are set up around the park throughout the party and guests will have the opportunity to meet Santa on Main Street or see him in one of the parades. Check out our full FREE guide to this event here.

Cinderella Castle projections

Jollywood Nights

New to the lineup this 2023 holiday season, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios is another after hours ticketed experience happening on ten separate evenings throughout November and December. This party will envelop you in a glitzy and glamorous holiday wonderland. Experience the holiday vibes of this popular theme park with sparkling décor, a mashup of modern beats and classic holiday songs, unique craft cocktails, and decadent dishes. Snap selfies with your favorite iconic characters, and indulge in festive treats. The night also includes a spectacular fireworks and projections show plus after-hours access to favorite rides and coasters with lower wait times and less crowds.

International Festival of The Holidays

Beginning late November, surround yourself with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors during a beloved multicultural extravaganza. Each of the 11 countries in the World Showcase come alive with special decorations, entertainment and festive offerings. The event also includes themed Holiday Kitchens and a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll. Think of this festival as the Holiday Lite version of the more well-known Food & Wine Festival. 

Candlelight Processional

Part of the International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT, the candlelight processional (happening nightly starting late November) is a heartwarming way to celebrate the holiday season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas amidst the magic of Disney. The combination of the celebrity narrator's storytelling, the soul-stirring music from the choir and orchestra, and the festive ambiance of EPCOT's World Showcase makes the Candlelight Processional a moving and memorable experience for guests of all ages. It is a popular event, so be prepared for the crowds or book a dinner package which includes a festive meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating for the event. If you don’t want to stake out a spot sometimes hours in advance, the dinner package is worth the extra expense. 

The Gingerbread House at The Grand Floridian

The Gingerbread House at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a remarkable and iconic holiday display that captivates guests of all ages. The house is a life-size structure, towering over guests at around 14 to 16 feet in height. A true feat of engineering and culinary craftsmanship, the house is entirely made of edible materials, including colorful icing, candy canes, chocolate, gumdrops, and other sugary treats. It's a sight to behold and a treat for the eyes. It’s worth a stop at this Deluxe monorail resort to soak in the holiday spirit and snag a fantastic photo op!

Visitors enjoying the life-sized Gingerbread House at The Grand Floridian Resort

Tree of Life Holiday Awakening at Animal Kingdom

Experience the magic of the holidays like never before at Disney's Animal Kingdom with the Tree of Life Holiday Awakening. As the sun sets, the Tree of Life comes alive with dazzling projections and enchanting lighting effects, telling heartwarming holiday tales that will warm your heart. The holiday enchantment continues as the animal spirits within the tree emerge to share tales of winter harmony and the joy of sharing the season with loved ones. Experience the wonder of wildlife from around the world, joining together in a jubilant celebration of unity and peace. With multiple showings throughout the evening, it’s one of our favorite ways to experience Animal Kingdom during the holidays. 

Holiday Ride Overlays

What is one of our most favorite yet understated ways to get into the holiday spirit? Ride overlays! A handful of rides at select parks are given a festive “makeover” during this time of year. For example, the classic “Jungle Cruise” becomes “Jingle Cruise”, a jolly journey full of holiday puns and surprises, adorned with holiday flair and the jovial spirit of the season. Some of the rides with a seasonal overlay in addition to Jungle Cruise include Guardians of the Galaxy, Tomorrow Land Speedway, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World. It’s a clever and unexpected way to celebrate the season and we’re here for it. 

There are so many other holiday happenings and amazing experiences to be had during this time of year at Walt Disney World. It’s almost impossible to include all of our favorites, so just consider this to be an introduction to the holiday magic that awaits you and your family and also an invitation to find your own holiday traditions at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Schedule a complimentary consultation with us to get your festive adventure started!

Until next time…All the magic. We plan it. You live it.